The book deals with the issue of the approach to and treatment of Byzantine monuments during the first one hundred and fifty years of the Greek State (1833-1939).

It examines representative restoration interventions in Byzantine monuments in Greece and critically analyses the theoretical principles and the practices adopted. It records the developmental course of actions taken to salvage the Byzantine heritage, both by the Greek State and by non-governmental agents. It also investigates their ideological and cultural framework, correlating this with European thought. It enhances the impact of the upgrading of Byzantium in Greece on activities for the protection, rescue and restoration of Byzantine ecclesiastical monuments.

The study is based on ample archival material, which is published for the first time. This volume is an essential contribution to research into the history of Greek cultural heritage and of European restorations.